Knockdown stand or table



June 28, 1949. P. MOLLA 2,474,318

" KNOCKDOWN STAND OR TABLE Fi led Feb. 18, 1946 01 F455 fl/Vazm INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented June 28,1949

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE KNOCKDOWN STAND R TABLE Charles P. Molla, New Hyde Park, N. Y.

Application February 18, 1946, Serial No. 648,395

3 Claims. 1

This invention relates to what might be termed stands 'or tables. More particularly, my invention deals with an article of the class described composed of two substantially similar leg frame units and a top or table member, wherein the leg frame units have means for quick coupling and uncoupling and with means for detachably coupling the top or table member with said units, whereby the complete stand or table device can be packed for storage, shipment and delivery in a comparatively small package. The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description, when taken together with the accompanying drawing, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed and, in which, the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views and, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the stand shown in assembled position.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view through the upper table portion of the stand on an enlarged scale, illustrating the leg coupling therewith, with part of the construction broken away.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the central coupling portion of the leg frames in position for assemblage with part of the structure broken away.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a modification; and

Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the method of packaging the collapsed stand.

In stands or tables of the kind under consideration, it has been customary to construct the same in pre-assembled and more or less permanently coupled parts which necessitates packaging the complete stand or table in a relatively large carton or wrapper which has required considerable space in storage and in shipment, both from the standpoint of the manufacturer, as well as from the standpoint of the dealer or distributor. By reason of these large and awkward packages, difficulties have also been experienced in breakage or injury to the stands or tables.

It is the purpose of my invention to so construct stands or tables of the kind in question as to enable the parts to be compactly packed in a relatively thin elongated carton, the length and width of which is controlled primarily by the 'size or dimensions of the leg frame units employed in the resulting stand. Still further, the various parts of the complete stand or table are so constructed as to facilitate quick and easy assemblage of the three primary parts, namely 2 the use of any special tools and without theskill of an experienced mechanic.

In Fig. 1 of the drawing, I have shown a stand or table comprising a top table portion 10 and a leg or base portion H, the latter being composed of two leg units 12 and I3. Each unit l2 and I3 is substantially the same except for the coupling portions thereof shown in detail in Fig. 3 of the drawing. The unit I2 comprises two leg strips 14, M joined centrally by a cross-strap l5 welded or otherwise secured to inwardly set portions I 6, I8 thereon. The strap [5 has an up wardly offset rectangular portion ll forming a corresponding recess I8 on the lower surface thereof and centrally of the portion I1 is a downwardly extending pin it. The unit [3 comprises leg strips 29, having inwardly set portions 2|, 2| joined and coupled by a strap 22 weldedo'r otherwise secured in position. The strap 22 has a central aperture 23 adapted to receive the pin l9. It will also appear that the recess 88 is such as to snugly receive the strap 22 to retain the leg units I2 and I3 against relative movement. The strips I l, l4 terminate at their lower ends in downwardly and outwardly extending feet 24, 24; whereas the strips 2!), 20 terminate at their lower ends in corresponding feet 25, 25". The upper ends of all of the strips l4, l4, 20, 20 flare outwardly to form coupling ends for attachment to the lower surface of the table Ill and coupling of two of these ends with the table [9 is shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing, for example, the end 29 of the leg strip M and the end 21 of the strip 20. These ends are apertured to receive bolts '28, having flat heads 29 counter-sunk in the plate 353 of the table Ill. Washers 3| are preferably employed between the ends 26, 21 and the plate 30 to compensate for the ofisetcount'ersunk portions 32 in the plate 30.

The plate 3% also has a raised peripheral flange 33 adapted to retain a series of tile plates 3'4 in position. The tile plates 3% are cemented or otherwise secured to the plate 30 in forming the top or table portion ll! of the stand. The tile plates 34 will be arranged in close proximity to each other and the clearances shown in Fig. 1 are primarily to illustrate the type and kind of structure employed and to make it clear that independent tiles are used.

In Fig. 4 of the drawing, I have shown aslig-ht modification, wherein a leg frame 35, similar to the frame l2, has a cross-strap '36, similar to the strap [5, except that the offset portion 31 therein does not include a pin similar to the pin 1 9. At

the two leg units and the top or table without 3'8' is shown-a fr'ame, similar to the frame fland,

here, a cross-strap 39 is employed which differs from the strap 22 in that it is made the same as the strap 36 but, in reverse position, so that the offset portion 40 has its recessed face 4| directly upwardly; whereas the recess face 42 of the offset 31 is directed downwardly. This construction will also provide a coupling engagement between the two leg frames or units 35 and 38, which will prevent relative movement or displacement and the two offset portions 31 and 40 will tend to reinforce and strengthen the coupling, the sockets 4| and 42, in both instances, being adapted to snugly receive the straps 36 and 39 or the offset portions 31 and 40 thereof.

In Fig. 5 of the drawing I have shown at 43 a box or carton illustrating the general arrangement of the parts of the complete stand therein, one of the frames of the pair of frames being indicated in dotted lines at 44 and the top or table portion of the stand at 45. At 45 is shown a gummed or other tape for retaining the parts against shifting movement within the box or container.

Fig. 5 is simply to illustrate the possibility of compactly folding the complete assemblage in a relatively thin package which has a width governed by the spread of each leg frame or unit and of a length corresponding to the length of the leg frames or units, the top or table being adapted to fit within this package and the thickness would be equal to the combined thickness of the two leg frames and the table. In production, the bolts 28 are fixedly secured in the plate 30 to be retained against rotation therein and the nuts 28 of the bolts, including the Washers 3|, are assembled on the bolts in the packaging, as seen in Fig. 5, and are removed for assemblage of the leg frame ends 26 and 21 therewith.

In assemblage, the frames are first coupled together by placing the strap of one frame over the strap of the other frame, for example, l5 over 22, as in Fig. 3, or 36 over 39, as in Fig. 4. When the straps are coupled together, the table in is then mounted on the upper ends of the frames and the washers and nuts put in the position shown. When the nuts 28 are tightened-up on the bolts, the leg frames or units will be securely held in position, forming a very sturdy table construction.

With stands of the kind under consideration, the tables may have tiles of many colors or combinations of colors to produce attractive appearances. The tiles serve to provide a practical support for articles of any type or kind, whether it be flower pots, ash trays, drinking glasses and the like, without danger of destruction to the surface of the table. It will also be understood that the leg frame, including the sheet metal part of the table, may be produced in various color effects to be suitable for different uses, although in most cases, neutral colors such as black and white have been found desirable.

B reason of my simple method of procedure, a packaged or boxed assemblage at the manufacturing plant may be maintained until this package is finally opened by the ultimate purchaser, who will make the assemblage of the three stand parts. It will also appear that, by virtue of this construction and method of procedure, stands or tables of the kind under consideration can be supplied to the purchaser at a material saving, not only from the standpoint of packaging, but from the standpoint of simplicity and economy in constructing and finishing the three primary parts of the stand. It will readily appear that each frame unit can be dipped for coating in the desired lacquer or other finish employed thereon. In like manner, the metal tray portions 38, includin the flanges 33 thereof, may be dipped and, as these tray portions are made to take standard tiles of predetermined sizes, various combinations can be produced by selection of tiles of the desired and predetermined colors or combinations of colors. This last operation can be performed in filling orders to suit specific requirements without interferin with production of the tray and leg frame units, except where the latter have other than what might be considered standard colors.

It will also be apparent that the size of the top or table and the number of tiles employed therein may be Varied and the leg frame units made consistent with the difference in size of the top or table, it being desirable to bring the ends 26 and 2'! near the four corner portions of the top or table.

It will appear from a consideration of Fig. l of the drawing that the ends as at 26, 2'! of the leg units are disposed at diagonally opposed corners on the top or table I 0.

By virtue of my novel structure, a fairly large stand or table can be produced and conveniently sold by reason of my ability to pack the knock down parts of the stand or table structure in the compact and relatively thin package. The advantage of this construction, not only facilitates merchandising an otherwise cumbersome device, but also facilitates storage of large quantities of devices of the kind under consideration in a relatively small space. Furthermore, danger of destruction or breakage is dispensed with, and, by suitably marking each package 43 externally thereof, types and kinds with respect to color combinations of the stand can be noted to avoid the necessity of opening the packages prior to shipment to the purchaser or customer.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A knockdown stand comprising two leg frames and a top member, each frame comprising a pair of bands, the bands terminating at their lower ends in outwardly flared leg members and at their upper ends in relatively flat .ape'rtured parts extending horizontally, straps integrally joining and spacing the bands centrally of the frames, the straps of said frames having interengaging means for keying and coupling the frames together at substantially right angles to each other, said top member having fixed fastener devices protruding downwardly at corner portions thereof, said fastener devices being adapted to pass through the apertures in the upper flat parts of said bands in formin the stand, means detachably coupled with said devices for mounting said leg frames, said means comprising the sole means for retaining the leg frames and the top member in assembled position, and the interengaging means between the straps of said frames lcomprising an offset portion on one strap snugly "receiving the other strap to key the frames against relative horizontal movement.

2. A knockdown stand comprising two leg frames and a top member, each frame comprising a pair of bands, the bands terminating at their lower ends in outwardly flared leg members and at their upper ends in relatively flat apertured parts extending horizontally, straps integrally joining and spacing the bands centrally of the 7 frames, the straps of said frames having interengaging means for keying and coupling the frames together at substantially right angles to each other, said top member having fixed fastener devices protrudin downwardly at corner portions thereof, said fastener devices being adapted to pass through the apertures in the upper flat parts of said bands in forming the stand, means detachably coupled with said devices for mounting said leg frames, said means comprising the sole means for retaining the leg frames and the top member in assembled position, the interengaging means between the straps of said frames comprising an offset portion on one strap snugly receiving the other strap to key the frames against relative horizontal movement, said member comprisin a plate, and said fastener devices comprising bolts having heads countersunk in said plate.

3. A leg frame for knockdown stands of the character described, said frame comprising two leg members, each leg member comprising two flat bands of substantially the same width and thickness throughout the length thereof, the bands having outwardly ofiset upper and lower ends and inwardly ofiset parallel central portions, a fiat strap integrally joining and spacing the inwardly offset central portions of the bands, said straps being of the same width as the bands, the strap of one leg member bein straight and having a central aperture, the strap of the other leg member bein offset centrally to snugly receive the first mentioned strap to key the members in position at right angles to each other, and the offset portion of the last mentioned strap having a pin adapted to extend through the aperture in the first mentioned strap.

CHARLES P. MOLLA.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 224,302 Morrison Feb. 10, 1880 353,137 Hinkel Nov. 23, 1886 429,443 Hassett June 3, 1890 561,612 Bitter June 9, 1896 574,424 Hofiman Jan. 5, 1897 648,422 Topliff Apr. 22, 1902 877,423 Hess Jan. 21, 1908 889,600 Graumiller et a1 June 2, 1908 905,200 Maddox Dec. 1, 1908 1,183,645 Hubbard May 16, 1916 1,188,613 Block June 27, 1916 1,380,042 Cook May 31, 1921 1,549,146 Miner Aug. 11, 1927 1,700,155 Copeman Jan. 29, 1929 1,797,717 Coates Mar. 24, 1931 1,890,583 Meehan Dec. 13, 1932 2,000,915 Blake May 14, 1935 2,281,740 Blickhan May 5, 1942 2,310,904 Bales Feb. 9, 1943 2,324,252 Woelfer July 13, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 1,397,764 Japan Nov. 22, 1921 

